Empty Trash iPhone: Methods to Clear Junk and Free Space

Managing storage space on your iPhone is crucial to maintaining its performance and ensuring you have enough room for new files, photos, and apps. While iPhones do not have a traditional "trash" folder, various apps have their own mechanisms for handling deleted items, which can still occupy storage space until properly cleared.

How to Empty Trash in the Photos App

The Photos app is one of the most common places where deleted items accumulate. Here’s how to empty the trash in the Photos app:

1. Open the Photos app and navigate to the "Albums" section.
2. Scroll down to the "Recently Deleted" album.
3. Tap on "Recently Deleted" and verify your identity with Face ID if prompted.
4. Select the files you want to permanently delete by tapping on them.
5. Tap "Delete" to confirm the deletion. Note that photos in the "Recently Deleted" album are automatically deleted after 30 days if not manually removed.

How to Empty Trash in the Files App

The Files app can also accumulate deleted files that need to be cleared periodically:

1. Open the Files app and tap on "Browse" in the lower right corner.
2. Tap on "Recently Deleted" to view the files.
3. Select the files you want to permanently delete by tapping on them.
4. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner and choose "Select."
5. Tap "Delete" and confirm your decision by tapping "Delete" again. This action will remove the files from all your devices immediately.

How to Empty Trash in the Mail App

Deleted emails in the Mail app also need to be cleared to free up space:

1. Open the Mail app and swipe left on any email to move it to the trash.
2. Tap "Mailboxes" in the upper left corner of your screen.
3. Scroll down and tap "Trash."
4. Tap "Edit" at the top, then "Select All" at the top.
5. Tap "Delete" at the bottom to permanently delete the emails. Note that emails in the trash folder are automatically deleted after 30 days if not manually removed.

How to Empty Trash in the Notes App

Deleted notes can also be cleared to free up storage space:

1. Navigate to Notes on your iPhone.
2. Tap "Folders" and then "Recently Deleted."
3. Tap "Edit" at the top.
4. Tap "Delete All" to permanently delete your notes.
5. Confirm by tapping "Delete Notes".

How to Empty Trash in the Voice Memos App

Voice memos can take up significant storage space, so clearing them is important:

1. Open Voice Memos on your iPhone.
2. Tap "Recently Deleted."
3. Tap "Edit."
4. Tap "Delete All" and confirm by tapping "Delete Forever".

Additional Tips for Managing Storage

• Use Third-Party Apps: Tools like CleanMy®Phone can help you identify and remove duplicate photos, screenshots, and other unnecessary files, making it easier to free up space.
• Regularly Review Files: Periodically check the "Recently Deleted" sections in various apps to ensure that you are not storing unnecessary files.
• Backup and Delete: Consider backing up your important files to iCloud or another storage service before deleting them to ensure you don’t lose valuable data.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the storage space on your iPhone and keep it running smoothly. Remember to regularly clear out the "Recently Deleted" sections in different apps to avoid clutter and save space.